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Press release detail

2009-12-02

Date:

12/02/2009

Maeci

The rationalisation and computerisation of the consular network and reform of representative bodies are among the topics of discussion at the CGIE (Council of Italians Abroad) Plenary Assembly being held from today through Friday at the foreign ministry in Rome.

A total of 30 million euro is still needed for 2010 for Italians abroad and migration policies, as CGIE Secretary General Elio Carozza pointed out in his speech. Then there is the problem of representation, with the reforms being debated in the Senate that envisage a reduction in the number of local committees (COMITES) and a streamlining of the CGIE itself. The Assembly’s goal is the “organise a permanent line of defence for our communities”, and to ask the government “to consider the recovery of missing resources as a priority”, Carozza added.

In a message read by Director General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies Carla Zuzppetti, Secretary of State Alfredo Mantica explained that the cuts will not impact on the quality of services, and that these will be improved by the computerization of the consular network and the introduction of the biometric passport by 30 June next. And neither will representation be hit, which will assume “a new strong territorial connotation” with the new law “as an instrument for the protection of minority groups” such as electoral quotas for women and the under-35.